Well, this probably isn't an objective statement, but the Chicago Fire really have started off
2012 well...just in the same way that Quaker Oats breakfast products are a great way to start the
day!
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
In all seriousness though, I can't remember a sponsorship providing such a boost to a club in
general and to a fan base in particular.
The new threads. (Home on left, Away on right)
The 2012 Major League Soccer season is right around the corner and clubs are gearing up in all
sorts of ways. Not only are they stocking up on young talent through the SuperDraft and wily
veterans in the Supplemental Draft, MLS teams are locking down sponsorships and marketing as well.
The Chicago Fire will have Quaker Oats as their jersey sponsor, the club announced on Tuesday.
Chicago last had Best Buy as their front of jersey sponsor. In a press statement, Chicago Fire
president Andrew Hauptman said "It's an honor to partner with a trusted Chicago-based brand like
Quaker Oats that shares the same sense of community as the Chicago Fire.
The Chicago Fire might be adding a new graphic to the front of their jerseys this season.
According to reports out of Chicago, the club is closing in on a jersey sponsor deal with Quaker
Oats, something that would end the club's sponsor hiatus after one season. Best Buy had been the
team's jersey sponsor from 2008-2010 before ending its commitment prior to last season.
On Monday evening, Ed Sherman of Craine's, broke the news that the Chicago Fire were nearing a
$1.3-1.5 million dollar per year jersey sponsorship agreement with Quaker Oats. If the report is
accurate, the new deal is a great score for a Fire franchise that went without a jersey sponsor in
2011 after Best Buy ended its relationship before the season started last year.
Each year around this time I make a list similar to Santa Claus only this list is for each MLS
side. The wants and needs for each really at this festive time of the year. Most clubs are as
active as ever right now as the new transfer window will set to open here soon, along with the
SuperDraft in the coming weeks.
Kenny Dalglish today reiterated his delight at the form of Jose Enrique following suggestions the
defender has proved the signing of the summer.
The Spanish full-back has made a seamless transition to life at Anfield in his nine appearances so
far following an August transfer from Newcastle United.
It's out! Complete with the Timbers and everything. I'm not trying to blatantly shill for the
game, but I'm definitely getting it in for the PS3 whenever UPS decides to amble on by my
house.
Those of you who wish to play some online with me can add my PSN account name: BacteriaEP
If you're looking for someplace to buy it.
With over £210m spent in the just closed January transfer window, there are some deals that
make you shake your head and some that are actually good value. Here were the top five buys in the
January window.
Luis Suarez (Ajax to Liverpool for £22.8m)
The 24-year-old Suarez has a great goal scoring record in Holland with 81 goals in 108 games
with Ajax.
By far, the biggest soccer news of the day was the announcement that Bimbo Bakeries has signed a
four year, $12 million dollar deal to serve as the Philadelphia Union jersey sponsor. As part of
the deal, the Bimbo logo will feature prominently on the team's jerseys while the company will also
take an active role in the Union's youth soccer efforts.
Few things differentiate the business Major League Soccer from the other major American sports
than the availability of the teams' jersey fronts to potential sponsors. Over the last few years,
major companies such as Best Buy and VW have paid significant dollars to put their names on the
uniforms of the teams of MLS.
